MEDIA STORIES

Last week’s budget did include funding for the arts and culture sector – just not the arts and culture we’re used to seeing funded. And it’s long overdue, writes Sam Brooks.

“Kapa haka is a gateway concept: you open the door to kapa haka, you open the door to te ao Māori and that makes it hugely rich,” says Linda Waimarie Nikora.

Te Matatini has a connection to the Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association [APATA], which is Australia’s uniting body for teachers, educators and industry practitioners working and creating in the performing arts.

The inaugural National Kapa Haka Festival has big plans for its 50th anniversary.

The global stage is where the Te Matatini board and the Government hope to take the kapa haka event.

And the $30 million funding increase given to Te Matatini in last week’s Budget will help catapult the indigenous tournament into a big-time must-see global event.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Te Matatini, Aotearoa’s foremost celebration of kapa haka excellence. Over the last half-century, kapa haka has experienced rapid growth in popularity and become part of our national consciousness.

“We actually haven’t stopped preparing for Te Matatini. We’ve had a lot of hui with ngā kapa o Tāmaki to ensure when the time does come, we are ready.”

– Monique Maipi Pihema – Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

The Government’s continued recognition of and support for the important place Kapa Haka has in Aotearoa was evident today at a celebration at Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime said.

Today RNZ Concert launches the new three-part series celebrating 50 years of NZ’s foremost Māori performing arts festival and national kapa haka competitions.

The three-part series Te Matatini 50 will be broadcast at 7pm Friday, Saturday and Monday of Matariki weekend on RNZ Concert – home to the finest music in Aotearoa. (Here is how to listen)

“From those beautiful beginnings to now it’s absolutely fantastic and a fantastic time to celebrate 50 years.”

– Carl Ross, Te Manahautū – Te Matatini